Expert panel to help deliver on the WaterQ vision for Queensland

Some of Australia’s leading water experts including scientists, engineers, environmental planners and a futurist will work together to help deliver the vision of WaterQ: a 30-year strategy for Queensland’s water sector.

Announcing the make-up of the promised Water Expert Panel at an Australian Water Association breakfast in Brisbane yesterday, Water Supply Minister Mark McArdle said the panel would develop a 100 day plan outlining ways in which innovation, research and development could benefit families, businesses, industry and farmers across Queensland.

WaterQ is the Queensland Government’s strong plan for a better water future and provides a long-term strategy for a water sector that will support increased productivity, economic growth, healthy communities and the environment.

“In working to achieve this vision the expert panel will challenge the accepted norms by questioning what we already do and why we do it,” Mr McArdle said. 

“The expert panel’s work will be about identifying on-the-ground solutions to help strengthen and grow the water sector,” he said.

“I’m pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Mark Pascoe to chair the panel and lead this important group.

“Mr Pascoe has more than 40 years’ experience in the water industry having worked with organisations both in Brisbane and overseas including the Brisbane City Council and a number of private global water management companies. 

“His extensive experience and deep insights into global trends and emerging technologies will be invaluable as the panel looks at solutions around infrastructure, service delivery, water quality and security that will benefit water service providers of all sizes right across Queensland.” 

The panel also includes:

• Steven Cork – Director at EcoInsights, Australian National University professor, futurist
• Rob Fearon –  Director of Innovation Partnerships at the Queensland Water Directorate and water, sewerage and environmental expert
• Leith Boully –  Director Seqwater, Chair Local Management Arrangement Project, Chair Healthy Waterways, Chair Australian Water Recycling Centre of Excellence, Member Infrastructure Qld
• Poh-Ling Tan –Water Law and Governance professor and water planner
• Chris Tanner – Professional engineer, Director at Bligh Tanner, expert in infrastructure, environment and integrated water planning
• Cara Beal – Research Fellow at Griffith University’s Smart Water Research Centre, urban water scientist, environmental consultant, and 
• Jim Binney – Principal at MainStream Economics and Policy.

Mr McArdle also announced a Strategic Advisory Committee to ensure WaterQ’s key strategies are effectively implemented and remain relevant to the sector. 

“It is imperative that WaterQ remains aligned with community needs, economic drivers, strong environmental management and innovations in technology. 

“The advisory committee will be chaired by my Director-General, Dan Hunt, and includes representatives from the water industry, local government, consumer advocacy groups and water services providers.

“The committee will oversee and provide strategic direction and regular reviews on the implementation of the actions outlined in WaterQ to ensure the challenges and opportunities within Queensland’s water sector are addressed.” 

WaterQ is available at www.dews.qld.gov.au or by phoning 13 QGOV (13 7468).

Pictured from left: Chris Tanner, Director of Bligh Tanner Consulting Engineers, Leith Boully, Seqwater Director, Mark Pascoe (Chair), International WaterCentre CEO, Mark McArdle MP, Minister for Energy & Water Supply, Dr Steven Cork, Principal Eco Insights, Crawford School of Public Policy, ANU, Dr Cara Beal, Smart Water Research Centre, Dr Rob Fearon, Director, Innovation Partnerships, qldwater
Not pictured:  Jim Binney, Principal, MainStream Economics and Prof Poh-Ling Tan, Professor of water Law and Governance, Griffith University